As the days creep by, fall semester’s looming presence grows more nagging. It’s easy to get lost in the thrill of returning to campus, but these last few weeks of summer vacation are ripe with opportunity.
Below you can find a list of 10 things to do while you’re wrapping up your summer break that don’t involve pining for the energy of campus life or mourning your carefree time off.
- Go to your favorite local restaurant
Whether you’re living at home for the summer, a new place for an internship or somewhere else, be sure to pay your favorite local restaurant one final visit! Odds are you might not be back for a while. Treat yourself to a good meal while supporting local businesses in your area. You’ll think fondly of this meal as you pore over dining hall food or frozen dinners.
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- Watch that one movie you’ve been meaning to watch for a while
Admit it — everyone has a running list of movies they keep saying that they’ll watch but never do. Check your Letterboxd, Notes app or rummage through your memory to find that one film you’ve been keeping on standby. The semester gets busy very quickly, and checking a movie off your watchlist is a great way to soak up the summer’s free time.
- Stock up on Trader Joe’s
This might not be applicable to everyone, but if you live within driving distance of a Trader Joe’s be sure to get yourself over there for some pre-packaged meals, delicious snacks and a refreshing checkout experience with the nicest cashier you’ve likely ever met. The lack of Trader Joe’s in Champaign-Urbana is unfortunate, so get your fix before summer vacation ends. If you aren’t near a Trader Joe’s store this summer, opt for a trip to your favorite shop that won’t be waiting for you on campus!
- Read a fun book before you’re swamped with schoolwork
Nothing beats getting lost in a good book, and the freedom of summer’s schedule offers the perfect opportunity to fit in a lighthearted read. Revisit a childhood favorite — perhaps “Harry Potter” or “Percy Jackson” — or start fresh with something new! Don’t forget that reading for pleasure can take shape in many different ways. Whether it’s reading on a Kindle, playing an audiobook or checking out a funky graphic novel, don’t miss out on the opportunity to prove to yourself that you actually do read for fun; it’s a good bragging point.
- Go to a local event in your area
No matter where you live, towns and cities across the world promise local events throughout the summer. Art fairs litter surrounding areas, farmer’s markets often take place every weekend and vintage festivals have a habit of popping up more often nowadays. If none of these suit your fancy or are an option, consider checking out a locally-owned business and see what they have to offer. You might find some fun room decor while you’re at it!
- Make plans with that one person you keep saying you’ll make plans with
It’s unfortunately easy to avoid or forget about reaching out to the people you care about, especially those you don’t see very often. Whether it’s an old friend, a teacher from high school or a neighbor, push yourself to send that first text and see the people you only get the chance to see during the summer. Every moment counts, and you never know what you might learn or what memories you’ll unexpectedly make with them.
- Go to your favorite thrift store
It’s no secret that there isn’t a wealth of thrift stores in C-U, and while the local Goodwills offer some great finds, it’s hard to compete with the slew of college students also looking for affordable and good-looking secondhand clothes. If you haven’t tried thrifting, see what’s in your area — you might be surprised! If you have a favorite spot, go snag a few cheap items to freshen up your back-to-school wardrobe.
- Make time for self-care
The last few weeks of summer fly by, and the days start to feel like they’re moving in double time. Set aside some time to take care of yourself however you prefer so that you go back to school feeling good. Journaling, taking a bath and getting outside are great ways to get in the right mindset for the school year. Consider setting some goals and intentions for your semester before it gets ahead of you.
- Find a concert in your area
Nothing beats the feeling and camaraderie of live music. Many towns feature artists in public parks or at restaurants. You don’t have to spend much — if any — money to hear good music. Consider taking a friend or family member with you to share the moment. A picnic outside or a dinner out to listen to music is best paired with someone special to spend it with.
- See a sunrise or sunset
Before you know it, the sun will be setting while you’re in class, and the need for sleep during the week makes it hard to wake up early for a sunrise. Take advantage of the flexibility in your summer schedule by getting up or staying out for a sunrise. The serenity and beauty of nature is a great way to both spend your time and practice mindfulness. Don’t knock a 4 a.m. wakeup call for a scenic view until you try it!
